Methyl bromide fate in fumigated soils

Conference · Sun Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:214542

Anderson, T A; Rice, P J; Cink, J H ^[1]

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1. Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA (United States); and others

Although widespread use of methyl bromide (MeBr) as a sail and structure fumigant has previously been recognized as a potential significant source of atmospheric MeBr, losses have not been well quantified. Our research indicates that, in laboratory studies, MeBr is volatilized rapidly from fumigated soils and that volatility increases with temperature (35{degrees}C > 25{degrees}C and 15{degrees}C) and moisture (0.03 bar and 0.3 bar > 1 bar > 3 bar). Degradation of MeBr in soil, as indicated by production of bromide ion, was also directly related to temperature and moisture. Most of the soil degradation of MeBr in these studies appears to be abiotic based on the observation of toxicity (reduced microbial respiration) in fumigated soils. We also determined the transformation and movement of MeBr in undisturbed soil columns. These studies also indicated that MeBT volatilizes rapidly (> 50% in 48 h) from soil. In addition, MeBr was not detected in the leachate from the soil columns, however, bromide ion was detected at levels above background 48 h after fumigation and peaked at 5 weeks.

• OSTI ID: 214542
• Report Number(s): CONF-950801--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
DECOMPOSITION
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
FUMIGANTS
LEACHATES
METHYL BROMIDE
MOISTURE
SOILS
VOLATILITY